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Celebrity Sells
A celebrity endorsement is one of the advertisers' most powerful weapons.
For generations, movie stars, television personalities and sporting heroes have all bought in to selling out. A famous face can trigger a string of associations that advertisers hope will reflect well on the product. And for new faces, an advertising gig can be the path to recognition, and a career which enables you to be the star turn.
Behind the camera, too, advertising commissions can kickstart a career or offer a lucrative sideline. Directors like Alan Parker, Ridley Scott and Hugh Hudson got an early boost from advertising work, and many continued to shoot ads long after they 'made it' in features.
Guinness - PlinthsGuinness - Plinths
Advert19761 mins
Pete and Dud prove to be stout football fans in this Guinness commercial recalling a great sporting moment - however fleeting.
Target - Geoff HurstTarget - Geoff Hurst
Advert19681 mins
England's 1966 hat-trick hero doesn't sweat the small stuff - or at all, according to this deodorant commercial.
The EconomistThe Economist
Advert192113 minsSilent
Silent comedian Walter Forde takes an illuminating trip around the Osram light bulb factory in this bizarre advertising film.
Sam's BirthdaySam's Birthday
Advert19346 minsSilent
Master of the monologue Stanley Holloway salutes his wondrous and capacious new suitcase in this magical advertising film.
Sam Goes ShoppingSam Goes Shopping
Advert19396 mins
Stanley Holloway recounts the exploits of Sam Small, whose wife sends him shopping for... what was it again?
Sheila SimSheila Sim
Advert19451 minsSilent
Star of stage and screen Sheila Sim explains why she uses Lux toilet soap.
Close-ups of the StarsClose-ups of the Stars
Advert19466 mins
A triple bill of glamour courtesy of Lux toilet soap.
Coca-Cola: Hey Coke - Masquerade BallCoca-Cola: Hey Coke - Masquerade Ball
Advert19581 mins
Don’t be alone out there - watch this early British Coke ad with an unknown Anna Karina.
Arthur's Holiday CampArthur's Holiday Camp
Advert19492 minsSilent
‘Big hearted’ Arthur Askey fools around as he tries to get fit at a holiday camp in this sparkling advert for Gibbs SR toothpaste.
Coca-Cola: Hey Coke - PartyCoca-Cola: Hey Coke - Party
Advert19580 mins
Party with a pre-fame Anna Karina in this early British Coke ad.
Coca-Cola: Hey Coke - BeachCoca-Cola: Hey Coke - Beach
Advert19580 mins
Hey Coke! Can you stop shouting at Anna Karina?
Pye Cinema & TV Advertisement starring John CleesePye Cinema & TV Advertisement starring John Cleese
Advert19701 mins Location: Cambridge
Actor, comedian, and Monty Python, John Cleese plays to type as a sophisticate loony in this advertisement for Pye Electronics of Cambridge.
Shell: Sammy Davis Jr.Shell: Sammy Davis Jr.
Advert19611 minsSilent
Sammy Davis Jr sings “You’re Going Well on Shell” in this mini-musical sprint across London.
Coca-Cola: Mary HopkinCoca-Cola: Mary Hopkin
Advert19691 mins
Mary Hopkin takes a stroll along the beach in this melancholy Coke ad.
Harp - Ronnie Barker (Version 1)Harp - Ronnie Barker (Version 1)
Advert19720 mins
Ronnie Barker of The Two Ronnies advises viewers to stock up with some cans of Harp lager in this chirpy early seventies TV advert.